Philadelphia Phillies storyline: Roster surgery

Was Mike Adams the most important acquisition of the Philadelphia Phillies for 2013? Was it Michael Young, Ben Revere, Delmon Young or a piece that will be added later?

TAL’S HANDY CAPS

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Adams Dials up a Circle Change in the 2011 World Series during the 8th of Game 2 on October 20 in St. Louis

3RD JANUARYBASEBALL-FIX MONDAY

Creative Doctoring:

When you strive to stitch up 5 holes with almost $23 million, you need a scalpel, a deft hand and nerves of steel.

There are 2 directions for a franchise, and most general managers decide against exceeding the competitive-balance threshold. After 10 completed campaigns, the Yankees have averaged more than $22 million a year in tax penalties. And they went to 2 Fall Classics, winning one. They have targeted 2014 and its $189 million boundary to push the one-time reset button. It’s a do-over back to a first violation beyond ’14.

The Dodgers will be approximately $44 million over the limit, and be on the hook for an additional $7.7 million (17.5%). Increasing the maximum to $189 million in 2014, they will be $33 million over, which means charges of 30% (’14), 40% (2015) and 50% (2016). Those amounts are respectively $9.9 million (’14), $13.2 million (’15) and $16.5 million (’16). That’s $47.3 million for the next 4 tours and $22 million each season after that.

When New York (AL) does not desire losing $22 million per 162, what does that scream? The Phils and 28 other organizations came to the conclusion that this is not a wise business decision. That translates to locking up home-grown talent, like Cole Hamels. It also involves new, challenging ways to assemble a club before training camp, which equals varying risks because of financial limitations.

Comfort levels for a general manager:

The so-called sure thing: Ryan Howard.

The limited track record: Revere.

The gamble on a decent player when healthy or a 3-month breakout star: Jose Contreras and John Mayberry Jr. respectively from 2012.

The breath-holding roll of the dice: Dom Brown and Darin Ruf.

The no-resume regular: Freddy Galvis from last April.

Young Slams an RBI Double during the 3rd on October 3 in Oakland

For the purposes of the bottom line, Rube Amaro spent $6 million (Adams), $6 million (M. Young), $.75 million (D. Young) and $3.8 million (John Lannan). That’s $16.55 million of almost $23 million, which figures in $1.3 million for Lannan’s incentives that are the most achievable. He received the best 8th-inning setup man in the majors, a .300 hitter with something to prove, a fleet center fielder, and a replacement rotation arm. Amaro also picked up a corner outfielder with power, although there is baggage. The locals have $6 million to make another move and $5 million for the trading deadline.

The 8th frame was the gap between the starter and the closer that doomed at least a dozen games. M. Young can bat 2nd, 5th or 6th and he fixed his mechanical flaw, averaging .313 after August. To supersede Shane Victorino, Revere shores up the middle of the diamond with Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. Revere hit .294 with 40 stolen bases in 49 attempts last summer, while Lannan is good for 180 innings and a respectable ERA.

Lannan Deals a Circle Change during his Final Game as a National against his New Club on October 1 in Washington

The 1-7 lineup in some order will be: Rollins, M.Young, Utley, Howard, D. Young, Revere and Ruiz after the catcher returns by early May. The 8th spot will be Laynce Nix, Brown, Ruf or Mayberry.

The Nationals lost 3 southpaws from their ‘pen: Sean Burnett (Angels), Mike Gonzalez (Brewers) and Tom Gorzelanny (Brewers). They added Bill Bray, who was released outright by the Reds. They say their right handers can retire left-side sticks, but that may not be the smartest decision with Howard and Utley on an adversary’s squad.

The Braves added B.J.Upton, but they bid goodbye to Chipper Jones and Michael Bourne. Their 5-man staff was stronger last March, and Medlen needs a full campaign to draw a more realistic appraisal. They will have to tax their bullpen more also.

Our 2 NL East rivals have their flaws also, which means the division is up for grabs and the wild card is only a fallback position.

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This is the 12th storyline for 2013. Check out my recent publication (The Spring Swing) on the Phillies page or my author archives, where there is an excerpt photo. Also, my new feature is Suds or Studs.

I will periodically publish the 2013 ERA for the NL East and the 2013 ERA for the MLB 5. Thank you, to all who bookmarked my page.